Sea Life Park for the family

Of the many islands in Hawaii, O'ahu is often touted as the one which is for the family.
The availability of the many shopping malls, museums, parks attributed to this fact, as one can easily find almost everything on this island that caters to all ages.

While most islands focus on the sandy and isolated beaches providing that idyllic location for a romantic getaway for couples, O'ahu offers much more besides the beaches alone, which usually provides quiet activities and may not be fun for the children, and with more attractions on this well-developed island, it is no wonder it is often recommended to those traveling with families.

For those who are traveling in a family, the Sea Life Park is a place to spend half a day.


The park is located in Windward O'ahu and is open from 10.30a.m daily until 5.00pm.

The park offers many shows which are bound to keep the young and the old happy and entertained for that few hours. The few parks, pools, aquariums and sanctuaries offer a glimpse into the varieties of the sea life; particular those that are familiar to the coasts near Hawaii.
Relatively smaller compared to the other sea life parks I have been to in the past, this park did not lose out either in terms of the attractions and activities offered as there are major engaging things to do which include swimming with the dolphins and an underwater photography expedition which will be assisted by the helpful staff in the park.


Most of the sea creatures featured here are regulars in this region; and some are even endangered species.
Check out some of the sea creatures here which now call the park their home:

The Hawaiian Monk Seals can be found enjoying a swim or lazing in their habitat here.
A Monk Seal Care Center is also established in this park.

Penguins Habitat



Hawaiian Honu Sea Turtles (an endangered species)



Dolphins



Wild sea birds sanctuary



There are many shows scheduled throughout the day to keep visitors entertained with the intelligent antics of the sea creatures; which included the appearances of the dolphins and the seals.
When I was there, the weather was not really working in our favor but that also created an extra advantage as we were treated to a spontaneous dolphin show performed in their indoor stadium.



A little penguin was also led out to do a brief walk around to tempt the squeals from the audience.




Seal performance









The final and the star performance of the park; the Dolphins show









Watching these animals perform aroused emotions deep within my heart as I could just felt a stir and without myself realizing it, tears formed near the eyes.
While I am impressed with the intelligence of these animals to be able to understand their roles and the signals from their trainers to be able to perform all the tricks before our eyes, I was saddened by the fact that these were indeed creatures belonging to their freedom and in the wide sea, where they truly belong.
Though it may not be a bad thing that they are living a protected and well-maintained life in the park, however, I could not help but feel emotional as I watch how these animals swim back and forth to perform and then to their trainers for the food they deserved, after performing an act they were taught.

Of course, I am well aware of the fact that their lives are well-protected within this park, as compared to the borderless boundaries of the sea which they might need to fight to live or be fed to others of more might and strength compared to themselves. It is a creature eat creature world out there and their chances of survival are probably rated by the moment they are swimming out there.
One could only look at the pros and cons at all times; and to remain optimistic, but a lesson I learnt while watching the performance is to appreciate the freedom and what we have at the moment, for I have the choice to decide on what I want to do or where I want to live while these animals are confined to the spaces of this park probably against their own free will. It is something we will never know, isn't it?

The efforts taken by the people in the park are truly commendable as well as they take to their scheduled maintenance to ensure that the conditions of the habitats comfortable for the sea creatures dwelling in the park.



The sea life park is an interesting place for the families; but I do think that the variety of the sea creatures within the park a little limited compared to the other sea life parks I have been to.
The admission fees is USD$31 per person.

Souvenirs can be found in the souvenir shop near the exit and entrance.



Hopefully there will be more to look forward to the next time I am back :-)

Pulau Payar 2005

Pulau Langkawi is a famous archipelago island located north of the Straits of Malacca, and off the shore of Kedah.

Many know of the existence of this free-trade port, especially Malaysians and most have visited this place more than once, as it is easily accessible via boat/ferry from Penang or Kedah or via direct flight to the Langkawi airport.


I have personally been to Langkawi a few times too, and in 2005, I went to Langkawi with my colleagues and we hopped to another island off Langkawi.


Pulau Payar is a relatively famous island too; located south of Langkawi.

It is accessible via a catamaran from Pulau Langkawi; in fact, as soon as you arrive at Langkawi, you can find various tour packages offering tours to Pulau Payar; well furnished with the boat ride and lunch there.


Pulau Payar is a beautiful island, filled with the natural and colorful coral reefs decorating the shores of the island.


It is also a Marine Park, a measure taken by the government to preserve the marine life and vegetation/corals in the area.




Due to its natural beauty, Pulau Payar is also an ideal location for snorkelling and diving with the tame and friendly marine life.



One of the itinerary on the package was the feeding of the fish

The fish swim in large schools towards us, and the swishing of their tails brushing against our legs was rather ticklish too!~


During noon, you could also feed or swim with the baby sharks!~



The island, despite its reserved nature is no longer that reserved anymore as tourists are now flocking to enjoy the beautiful corals and marine life


Usually the tour packages last half a day, and the boats would arrive to ferry us back to Langkawi in the late afternoon or in the evening.



I have heard that the island is no longer as attractive as before, with the beautiful corals losing its natural lustre and color in a phenomenon known as bleaching, causing the government to step up measures to now close the marine park to public and forbidding any form of public activities in the area.

It is a good move that I commend as it is important to preserve the natural gifts of Mother Nature, and not let commercialization destroy them.
I just felt fortunate that I have had the opportunity to witness and admire myself, the true beauty of Pulau Payar.

The colorful memories and the crystal clear water will forever be etched in my mind...